Chicago @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 11, 2010 ) Chi. Cubs 1, Milwaukee 0

The Milwaukee Brewers take a third shot at figuring out the Chicago Cubs’ pitching staff Sunday afternoon after not having much luck through the first two games of the series.

Milwaukee has yet to score a run since the Cubs came to town, dropping Friday’s game 1-0 against the red-hot Carlos Zambrano and then losing 4-0 to Ryan Dempster on Saturday. The Brewers have just six hits, from six different players, through the first two games.

However, Milwaukee (65-76) is looking to turn the tables against a familiar face on the mound for the Cubs on Sunday.

Chicago starter Casey Coleman (1-1, 5.81 ERA) made his first MLB appearance coming out of the bullpen in an 18-1 blowout loss to the Brewers on Aug. 2. Coleman gave up six runs on eight hits over 2 2/3 innings. The rookie has settled into the starting rotation since then, but is still prone to giving up a big inning.

He gave up four runs in the second inning of his last start, a 5-4 loss against the Houston Astros. Coleman worked six innings, giving up eight hits while walking five to take a no-decision. The right-hander doesn’t have overpowering stuff, so when his control is a bit off he can have a bad day in a hurry. Coleman has allowed a home run in three of his four MLB starts to date.

Milwaukee, which has now lost eight of its last 11 games overall, has 163 home runs on the year – good for fourth in the majors. First baseman Prince Fielder leads the way with 30 dingers and five Brewers have at least 20 home runs this year.

The Brewers send Yovani Gallardo (11-7, 3.80) to the mound as he looks to keep it going after a great outing the last time he took the hill. Gallardo allowed just two runs on four over seven innings while striking out four in an 8-6 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. He took the no-decision, but it was a much better result than his previous few starts. Before that he allowed 20 combined runs over three starts.

Gallardo faces a Cubs team which has won eight of its last 10 road games. Chicago’s offense is getting it done without slugger Aramis Ramirez lately. The third baseman has sat out the last few games with a quad strain and is questionable again today. His 22 home runs have him tied with Alfonso Soriano for the team lead and he also tops the Cubs with 73 RBIs.